Re: Venus issues

"Steve & Lizzie" wrote

My problem is that I am unable to resolve Venus in either of my scopes! I
have a Meade 70 refractor and a Skywatcher 130mm Newt (650 - F5) plus
various EP's and filters etc. However regardless of the combinations I use
I can see no more than an extremely bright light (with refraction
colours/patterns). I have been told that I should be able to resolve Venus
easily - what am I doing wrong?

Probably nothing. Venus, right now, is small and in a gibbous phase.
Particularly as low in the sky as it is, there may be a lot of turbulence
that is preventing you from seeing even THAT. I had the same issue here in
Arizona a few weeks ago with my fine 8" reflector. Wait a few months when
Venus approaches much closer, growing in apparent size, and entering its
crescent phase. THEN you'll see something. Well, not much, but at least
it'll be something recognizeable.


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